Inspiration: Daily Run Photos

It’s hard to get out of a warm bed and run at 6 AM, you guys. Believe it or not, there are lots of good things about heading out into the deserted neighborhood streets before your fellow citizens. One of the best is knowing that you’re seeing things they don’t get to enjoy. Sunrise over the playground. Dew on the freshly-cut lawn. Being the first to step on the sidewalk has its advantages. One of the best ways to keep this special time in focus is to take a photo during your run. Then, rub it in your lazy friends’ noses on Facebook.

The Runkeeper app for iPhone has a dedicated camera button so you can add photos along your run map. This is cool; but you’re only sharing with your street team. I prefer taking photographs with Instagram, using their groovy filters, and sharing to Facebook and Twitter. That way, all of my social sphere gets to admire my photography skills and my dedication to running.

Apart from simply showing off, keeping a daily journal of run photographs serves as personal inspiration as well. Being able to look through weeks or months of images allow you to remember what makes that alone time special. Part of the reason I run is that it’s an activity that requires little brainpower. I can shut off worries about my work calendar, home repairs and other stresses. While that zoning out is good, without the images and my Runkeeper map, I would have no way to recollect what was good or interesting about that day’s run. Looking back on jogs through the neighborhood at different seasons, vacation runs and race days is a great reminder of why I run (in addition to burning off those beer calories).

But enough about me. Do you share your running activity as a source of motivation? If so, how? Leave a comment below and share your social running strategies.